You will not find Vito Cramarossa’s name in the NHL Guide and Record Book, but his work to put his last name on an NHL jersey is not yet done.

Cramarossa played for the Toronto Marlies in the 1980s and was drafted by the Washington Capitals. Vito was a sixth-rounder in the famous 1984 draft that brought Mario Lemieux to Pittsburgh. He played in the Edmonton organization but never enjoyed a regular season game in the NHL.

Joseph Cramarossa hopes to pick up where his dad left off. He is an excellent skater and face-off artist and his size is close to NHL ready.

The younger Cramarossa said having his dad’s experience was vital as he worked his way up the hockey ladder.

“It helps a lot. He was my coach growing up and he has helped me all the way up until minor midget and then the OHL draft. He just gives me an insight in every situation.”

Father and son have found that nothing is as instructive as failure.

“When I first got to junior A, I would be scratched. He helped me stay positive and reminded me I was the youngest player there. Moving on to the OHL and the draft and Memorial Cup, he’s been through it all.”

Vito never had to motivate his son.

“I think I have already been dedicated but he always helped me to stay positive. It’s not a big deal if you are sad. You have to keep on playing. When you get a chance, you have to make the most of it.”

Not surprisingly, Joseph sees lessons in life from what he has learned through sport.

“You take hockey skills everywhere you go in life. It has taught me to be positive. If something doesn’t go my way I stay positive and keep going until I get what I want. And once I reach that spot, I have to keep going at that pace so I can stay successful."
Cramarossa takes a stoic view of the draft.

“It’s just a matter if a team likes you enough. I don’t know if I am going to go earlier or later but it’s what you do with that. In my opinion, a fourth rounder has just as much opportunity as a first or second rounder. You just have to prove yourself at camp.”